Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his good wishes. I also thank Deputy Enda Kenny, the Taoiseach and Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin for the good wishes they conveyed to me earlier.

I beg the Ceann Comhairle's indulgence to express my sadness over the tragedy that occurred in Bray earlier today and I extend my sympathy to those affected. I do so because I live near Bray, where the accident occurred, and because, in my life as a trade union official, I represented and organised part-time and temporary firemen. I therefore have some understanding of the risks they take and realise how deeply affected the local community and the two firemen's colleagues must be by today's tragedy.

In putting my question to the Taoiseach, I acknowledge his achievements for this country. A year ago, the story broke that he had received large sums of money from private sources for his personal use and we now know from the tribunal that the total amount we are talking about is approximately €300,000 in today's terms. When the Taoiseach was challenged about this at the time, he said to us that he wanted an opportunity to explain to the tribunal what had happened regarding the money. We all waited to hear the explanation and he gave it as evidence at the tribunal over 18 hours over four days. I do not believe his explanation and I believe a majority of Members of this House do not believe it. Many Members on the Taoiseach's side, who are publicly loyal, and the majority of people do not believe the story he told the tribunal.

This issue is serious because there is national disbelief about the evidence the Taoiseach gave to the tribunal, which he gave on swearing a solemn oath to tell the whole truth. This national disbelief goes to the heart of trust and confidence in Deputy Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. It is a resigning issue and would be in any other country. We cannot ignore that because, in the global economy in which we now function, these issues matter. Does the Taoiseach intend to resign from office and, given that he has stated he does not intend to continue in the office of Taoiseach for the full life of this Dáil in any event, when does he intend to resign and hand over to his designated successor?

See this speech in context